Solar panels

Solar Photovoltaic (PV)

Investing in renewable energy sources is a highly effective way to make your home more sustainable in the long-term, whilst also dramatically reducing the amount of carbon you use. Renewable energy is generated from sources that can be easily and naturally replenished, such as the sun, wind, water and geothermal heat.

You can harness the sun’s rays and generate your own electricity using solar PV. This means that not only will you save money on your electricity bill – usually around £150 per year depending on the number of panels installed - but you’ll get paid for any electricity you don’t need, as this will go back into the grid for others to use. You can earn around £350 a year in this way, depending on how many solar panels are installed.

Solar PV involves having a number of solar panels installed, normally on the roof of your property. For solar PV panels to work you'll need a roof pointing approximately South (within 45 degrees) and with little shading from trees or buildings. You'll also need to have an energy performance certificate of D or better to get the best tariff - but simple steps like loft insulation or cavity wall insulation may take the energy rating of your home to 'D' and are worth considering.

The panels produce DC electricity which is then converted by an inverter into AC electricity for use in the home.

Solar energy will automatically power many of your appliances in the day time. You can't store electricity so any excess goes back into the grid for others to use. In the evenings, or any time that you use more electricity than you produce, your supply will automatically switch to the grid.

See our FAQs below for more information or contact the team on 0800 107 4100 or 0117 379 0203.

Warm Up Bristol will be offering more renewable energy options shortly, including biomass boilers, solar thermal and heat pumps.

What is solar PV?
A renewable energy technology that converts sunlight into electricity, commonly known as solar panels.
How do I know if my house is suitable for solar PV?
For solar PV panels to work you'll need a roof pointing approximately South (within 45 degrees) and with minimal shading. You'll also need to have an energy performance certificate of D or better to get the best tariff - but simple steps like loft insulation or cavity wall may take you to 'D' and are worth considering.
Can I use the Green Deal to pay for solar panels?
The Green Deal can only be used to cover the savings in energy bills - that means you are unlikely to get the full cost of solar PV panels but you may get a proportion.
Do I need planning permission to install solar PV?
Planning permission may be required for some solar PV installations. However if you don’t live in a conservation area or in a listed property then it normally comes under permitted development. Our assessors will advise you on this.
How do I know the installers are trustworthy?
All of our installers are Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accredited - this is essential to receive the Feed in Tariff.